Pitchers, filtration units, and filtration systems and methods

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to fluid filtration, such as, for example, filtration systems and methods, filtration units, pitchers, and components thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/646,325, filed May 13, 2012, which is incorporated by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fluid filtration, and moreparticularly, but not by way of limitation, to filtration systems andmethods, filtration units, pitchers, and components thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

Examples of filtration systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,296,148; 5,643,444; and 6,361,686 and in U.S. Patent Publication Nos.2006/0163174 and 2007/0209984.

SUMMARY

This disclosure includes embodiments of filtration systems and methods,filtration units, pitchers, and components thereof.

Some embodiments of the present pitchers comprise a lid; a basecomprising a sidewall and a bottom, the base configured to be coupled tothe lid such that the base and the lid cooperate to define a containerconfigured to hold fluid, where the base has a valve configured to bein: an open configuration when the pitcher is coupled to a filtrationunit and a closed configuration when the pitcher is not coupled to afiltration unit; and a divider configured to divide the container into afirst compartment and a second compartment, the divider oriented suchthat the first compartment and the second compartment each comprises atleast a portion of the bottom of the base. Some embodiments of thepresent pitchers comprise a base having a valve configured to be in: anopen configuration when the pitcher is coupled to a filtration unit anda closed configuration when the pitcher is not coupled to a filtrationunit; and a lid configured to be coupled to the base such that the baseand the lid cooperate to define a container configured to hold fluid,where the lid comprises a dispenser configured such that if the pitcheris coupled to a filtration unit and the dispenser is activated, fluid ispermitted to exit the pitcher through the valve and is permitted tore-enter the pitcher through the lid.

Some embodiments of the present filtration units comprise a housingconfigured to be coupled to a pitcher having a valve, the housingconfigured to cooperate with the pitcher to open the valve; and a pumpcoupled to the housing and configured to be in fluid communication witha filter if a filter is coupled to the housing, where the filtrationunit is configured such that if a pitcher having a valve and holdingfluid is coupled to the housing and if a filter is coupled to thehousing, the pump will pump fluid from the pitcher through the valve andthe filter and into the pitcher.

Some embodiments of the present filtration systems comprise a pitchercomprising: a lid; and a base configured to be coupled to the lid suchthat the base and the lid cooperate to define a container configured tohold fluid, where the base has a valve configured to be in: an openconfiguration when the pitcher is coupled to a filtration unit; and aclosed configuration when the pitcher is not coupled to a filtrationunit; and a filtration unit configured to be coupled to the pitcher, thefiltration unit comprising a housing configured to cooperate with thepitcher to open the valve; and a pump configured to be in fluidcommunication with a filter if a filter is coupled to the filtrationsystem, where if the pitcher has fluid and is coupled to the filtrationunit and if a filter is coupled to the filtration unit, the pump isconfigured to pump fluid from the pitcher through the valve and thefilter and into the pitcher.

Some embodiments of the present methods comprise coupling a pitcherhaving a valve to a filtration unit such that the valve opens; andactivating a pump to pump fluid from the pitcher through the valve, thefiltration unit, and a filter, and back into the pitcher.

This disclosure includes designs for pitchers and portions of pitchers.Some of the present pitcher designs include portions that are clear,translucent, transparent, and/or opaque, such as a container portionconfigured to hold fluid (such as drinking water) and that may includetwo compartments separated by a divider. Some of the present pitcherdesigns do not include the bottom of the pitcher. Some of the presentdesigns of pitcher portions include the handle (as well as any portionof the handle), the container portion (as well as any part of thecontainer portion)_(;) the spout portion (as well as any part of thespout portion), and the lid of the container (as well as any portion ofthe lid, such as the top of the lid). Some of the present designs ofpitcher portions do not include the bottom of any included portion. Someof the present pitcher and base designs include a portion of the baseand/or the pitcher (such as a portion of the pitcher and/or the basethat is visible when the pitcher and base are coupled together, andincluding less than all of such a visible portion), and some do notinclude the bottom of any base, pitcher, or included portion of either.

This disclosure includes designs for pitchers comprising dispensers andportions of dispensers. Some of the present pitcher designs includeportions that are clear, translucent, transparent, and/or opaque, suchas a container portion configured to hold fluid (such as drinkingwater). Some of the present pitcher designs do not include the bottom ofthe dispenser. Some of the present designs of dispenser portions includethe container portion (as well as any part of the container portion),the dispenser portion (as well as any portion of the lid, such as thetop of the lid), and the spout portion (as well as any part of the spoutportion). Some of the present designs of dispenser portions do notinclude the bottom of any included portion. Some of the presentdispenser and base designs include a portion of the base and/or thepitcher (such as a portion of the pitcher and/or the base that isvisible when the pitcher and base are coupled together, and includingless than all of such visible portion), and some do not include thebottom of any base, pitcher, dispenser, or included portion of either.

This disclosure includes designs for filtration units and portions offiltration units. Some of the present filtration units do not includethe bottom of the base. Some of the present designs of filtration unitsinclude the front (including any part of the front) of the unit, whichhas a low profile and on which a pitcher may be placed, the rear of thefiltration unit (including any part of the rear), and the top of thefiltration unit (including any part of the top). Some of the presentdesigns of filtration units do not include the bottom of any includedportion.

Any embodiment of any of the present systems, apparatuses, and methodscan consist of or consist essentially of—rather thancomprise/include/contain/have—any of the described steps, elements,and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term “consisting of” or“consisting essentially of” can be substituted for any of the open-endedlinking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a givenclaim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb.

Details associated with the embodiments described above and others arepresented below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation.For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structureis not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears.Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identicalstructure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate asimilar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as maynon-identical reference numbers. The figures are drawn to scale (unlessotherwise noted), meaning the sizes of the depicted elements areaccurate relative to each other for at least the embodiments depicted inthe figures.

FIGS. 1A-1B depict a perspective view of a first embodiment of thepresent filtration systems with a pitcher coupled to a filtration unit.

FIGS. 2A-2B depict a perspective view of a second embodiment of thepresent filtration systems with a pitcher coupled to a filtration unit.

FIGS. 3A-3E depict various views of a pitcher comprising a dispenser.

FIGS. 4A-4E depict various views of a pitcher comprising a divider.

FIGS. 5A-5G depict various views of a filtration unit configured to becoupled to the pitchers of FIGS. 3A-3E and 4A-4E.

FIGS. 5H-5I depict various views of a lid of the filtration unit ofFIGS. 5A-5G.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The terms “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarilydirectly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are “coupled”may be unitary with each other. The terms “a” and “an” are defined asone or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. Theterm “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily whollywhat is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includesparallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Inany disclosed embodiment, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,”and “about” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of” what isspecified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 percent.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and“comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and“having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and“including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains”and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system orapparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or moreelements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited topossessing only those elements. Likewise, a method that “comprises,”“has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more steps possesses those one ormore steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or moresteps.

The term “detect” (and any form of detect, such as “detects,”“detected,” and “detecting”) is used broadly throughout this disclosureto include receiving information, obtaining or gathering of information,and any calculations for and/or manipulations of such information thatmay result in additional information. The term should include terms suchas measuring, identifying, receiving, obtaining, gathering, similarterms, and derivatives of such terms.

The term “interface” (and its derivatives, such as “interfaces,”“interfaced,” and “interfacing”) is used broadly to describe aconnection, communication, and/or interaction between two or morecomponents, including mechanical, electrical, and magnetic connections,communications, and/or interactions.

Further, a structure (e.g., a component of an apparatus) that isconfigured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but itcan also be configured in other ways than those specifically described.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1A-2B,shown therein and designated by reference numerals 100 a and 100 b aretwo embodiments of the present filtration systems and their components.Filtration systems 100 a and 100 b can be used, for example, to filtertap water for drinking. In the embodiments shown, filtration systems 100a and 100 b are each configured to operate with filter 104. Filter 104can be similar in construction and/or material to the filters found inthe Model AQ-4000, AQ-4025, or AQ-4035 filter assemblies (e.g.,Cartridge A and/or Cartridge B of either Model) available from Aquasana,Inc., Austin, Tex., USA. As such, the filters may comprise carbon, and,more specifically, may be characterizable as activated carbon filtrationfilters, such as those configured to remove impurities from water. Suchfitters can include one or more of the following features: an operatingpressure range of 20-50 pounds per square inch, a rated capacity of 500gallons, a maximum operating temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, amaximum flow rate of 0.4 gallons per minute. The filters of thisdisclosure, which will be discussed below, can be coupled to and/oroperate with filtration systems 100 a and 100 b in any suitable way,including in the ways described in detail in pending patent applicationNo. 61/754,853, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.Other ways in which filter 104 can be coupled to and/or operate withfiltrations systems 100 a and 100 b are described in detail below.Further, the filtration systems and filtration units of the presentapplication can be coupled to and/or operate with in-line carbonationsystems, methods, and apparatuses. For example, in-line carbonationsystems and apparatuses can be disposed between a pump and a filtercasing of the present filtration systems and units, and the filtrationsystems and units can further comprise a CO₂ source disposed therein, asdescribed in detail by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/772,641(Publication No. US 2011/0268845) and International Patent ApplicationNo. PCT/US2011/033709 (Publication No. WO/2011/139614), which areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, filtration system 100 acomprises pitcher 108 a. Pitcher 108 a comprises lid 112 a, base 116 a,and valve 120 a. Similarly, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2B,filtration system 100 b comprises pitcher 108 b. Pitcher 108 b compriseslid 112 b, base 116 b, and valve 120 b. Pitchers 108 a and 108 b arediscussed in detail below.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-2B, filtration systems 100 a and100 b each comprises filtration unit 124. Filtration unit 124 is alsodepicted independent of pitchers 108 a and 108 b in FIGS. 5A-5G. In theembodiments shown, filtration unit 124 is configured to be coupled topitcher 108 a and pitcher 108 b. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-2Band 5A-5G, filtration unit 124 comprises housing 128. Housing 128 cancomprise any suitable shape configured to at least partially accommodatepitchers 108 a and 108 b (e.g., a substantially L-shaped configuration,as depicted in the embodiment shown). For example, housing 128 offiltration unit 124 comprises base 132 and upper portion 136. Upperportion 136 of housing 128 comprises recessed portion 140 configured toat least partially accommodate an end of pitcher 108 a and/or pitcher108 b. Lower portion 132 of housing 128 can be configured, as in theembodiment shown, to comprise a substantially similar shape to a bottomof a pitcher (e.g., substantially ovular). Further, lower portion 132 ofhousing 128 can comprise lip 144 configured to prevent a pitcher frommoving away from filtration unit 124, for example, when a horizontalforce is applied to the pitcher or filtration unit 124.

In the embodiment shown, housing 128 comprises lid 148. Lid 148 isconfigured to be coupled to upper portion 136 of housing 128. Lid 148can be coupled to housing 128 in any suitable way. For example, in theembodiment shown, lid 148 comprises lid coupler 152, and lid coupler 152comprises protrusions 156. Further, a portion of upper portion 136 ofhousing 128 defines opening 160, which is configured to accommodate afilter (e.g., filter 104) and/or lid coupler 152 (e.g., by comprising adiameter larger than, but substantially similar to, a filter and/or lidcoupler 152). The portion of upper portion 136 that defines opening 160has threads 166 configured to accommodate protrusions 156 of lid coupler152. In the embodiment shown, if lid coupler 152 is orientedaccordingly, lid 148 can be rotated (e.g., 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15degrees, or more) to permit protrusions 156 of lid coupler 152 to engagethreads 166 of upper portion 136 such that lid 148 is prevented frommoving away from filtration unit 124 if for example, a vertical force isapplied to lid 148 or filtration unit 124.

Lid 148 of housing 128 is also configured to be coupled to a filter(e.g., filter 104). As described above, housing 128 (including lid 148)is configured to be coupled to a filter in any suitable way, includingin the ways detailed in pending patent application No. 61/754,853. Inthe embodiment shown, lid coupler 152 comprises annular recess 170,configured to at least partially accommodate a filter (e.g., comprisinga diameter larger than, but substantially similar to, a filter). Lid 148further comprises filter coupler 174 configured to be coupled to afilter (e.g., threadably). For example, filter 104 can be coupled to lidcoupler 152 by disposing filter 104 in annular recess 170 such thatfilter 104 is in contact with filter coupler 174. Filter 104 can then berotated to permit filter 104 to engage filter coupler 174 (e.g.,threadably) such that filter 104 is prevented from moving away from lid148, for example, upon application of a horizontal or vertical force tofilter 104 or lid 148. As described above, lid 148 can then be coupledto upper portion 136 (while filter 104 is coupled to lid 148) such thatfilter 104 is disposed within housing 128 and in fluid communicationwith at least a portion of a pump of filtration unit 124 (discussed indetail below). For example, housing 128 can comprise casing 178, whichis configured to accommodate at least a portion of filter 104 (e.g., bycomprising a diameter larger than, but substantially similar to, afilter). Filter 104 can be disposed in casing 178, as in the embodimentsshown.

Lid 148 of housing 128 further comprises spout 182. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1B, 2B, and 5D, spout 182 is in fluid communication withfilter coupler 174 and filter 104 via lid tubing 186. Spout 182 definesopening 190 (e.g., depicted in FIGS. 5H and 5I) through which fluid canexit filtration unit 124 (e.g., after fluid exits filter 104).

In the embodiment shown, filtration unit 124 comprises pump 194. Pump194 can be coupled to any suitable component of filtration unit 124(such as to housing 128), and in any suitable way, including byadhesive, screws, and the like. As discussed above, at least a portionof pump 194 is configured to be in fluid communication with filter 104and/or casing 178. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5E,tubing 198 is coupled to casing 178 and to pump 194 such that casing 178and/or filter 104 is in fluid communication with at least a portion ofpump 194. Pump 194 is also configured to be in fluid communication withpitchers 108 a and 108 b. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG.5D, tubing 202 is coupled to base entry component 206 and pump 194 suchthat base entry component 206 and pump 194 are in fluid communication.

In the embodiment shown, housing 128 is configured to cooperate withpitchers 108 a and 108 b to open a valve on the pitchers. For example,in the embodiment shown, nipple 210 is coupled to base entry component206 and is configured to interact with a valve on pitchers 108 a and 108b to permit the valve to move into an open configuration (e.g., so thatfluid in pitchers 108 a and 108 b, if any, is permitted to exit thepitchers into base entry component 206 of filtration unit 124). Baseentry component 206 can comprise reservoir seal 214 (e.g., an O-ring)configured to substantially prevent fluid from exiting filtrationsystems 100 a and 100 b (e.g., by providing a fluid-tight seal). If apitcher (e.g., pitcher 108 a and/or 108 b) having a valve and holdingfluid is coupled to filtration unit 124 such that the pitcher's valvemoves into an open configuration, fluid can exit the pitcher into aportion of base entry component 206. If pump 194 is activated, pump 194pumps fluid in base entry component 206 (and from pitcher 108 a and/or108 b) through tubing 202 and tubing 198 and into casing 178 (holdingfilter 104, if filter 104 is disposed in casing 178). Pump 194 thenpumps fluid through filter coupler 174 and lid tubing 186 such thatfluid can exit filtration unit 124 through spout 182.

As discussed above, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-1B and 3A-3E,pitcher 108 a comprises lid 112 a and base 116 a. Base 116 a isconfigured to be coupled to lid 112 a such that base 116 a and lid 112 acooperate to define a container configured to hold fluid (e.g., water).In the embodiment shown, lid 112 a and base 116 a also cooperate todefine first opening 216 a through which fluid can enter and exit thepitcher. In some embodiments, pitcher 108 a can comprise a handleconfigured to permit a user to grip pitcher 108 a (as shown with pitcher108 b). Similarly to pitcher 108 b, a handle of pitcher 108 a can becoupled to lid 112 a and/or base 116 a.

In the embodiment shown, lid 112 a defines second opening 218 a thatpermits fluid to enter pitcher 108 a. in the embodiment shown, lid 112 acomprises tab 222 a, which is biased to a closed configuration (e.g.,via lever 226 a and spring 230 a). While in the closed configuration,tab 222 a substantially prevents fluid from entering or exiting pitcher108 a. Upon application of, for example, a vertical force to tab 222 a(which stretches spring 230 a), tab 222 a is configured to move to anopen configuration to permit fluid to enter or exit pitcher 108 a (e.g.,through second opening 218 a). If the vertical force applied to tab 222a is released, spring 230 a is permitted to relax, and tab 222 a returnsto a closed configuration.

In the embodiment shown, base 116 a comprises sidewall 234 a and bottom238 a (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 3C). In some embodiments, sidewall 234a can be coupled to bottom 238 a; and in other embodiments, sidewall 234a and bottom 238 a. are integral (e.g., as in the embodiment shown). Inthe embodiment shown, bottom 238 a of base 116 a of pitcher 108 acomprises valve 120 a. Valve 120 a is configured to be in an openconfiguration when pitcher 108 a is coupled to filtration unit 124(e.g., permitting fluid to enter filtration unit 124 through valve 120a), and valve 120 a is configured to be in a closed configuration whenpitcher 108 a is not coupled to filtration unit 124 (e.g., preventingfluid from exiting pitcher 108 a through valve 120 a). In the embodimentshown, bottom 238 a of base 116 a defines an opening through which fluidcan exit pitcher 108 a. Plunger 242 a is disposed in the opening definedby bottom 238 a of base 116 a to prevent fluid from exiting pitcher 108a. In the embodiment shown, spring 246 a biases valve 120 a to a closedconfiguration (e.g., by applying a force to plunger 242 a). When pitcher108 a is coupled to filtration unit 124, nipple 210 of filtration unit124 applies a force to plunger 242 a, compressing spring 246 a to permitfluid to move through valve 120 a and into base entry component 206. Ifpitcher 108 a is decoupled from filtration unit 124, the force appliedto plunger 242 a by nipple 210 is released, and spring 246 a ispermitted to relax, biasing valve 120 a to a closed configuration.

In some embodiments (e.g., FIGS. 1A-1B and 3A-3E), pitcher 108 a (and,more specifically, lid 112 a) comprises dispenser 250 a. Dispenser 250 ais configured such that if pitcher 108 a is coupled to filtration unit124 and dispenser 250 a is activated (e.g., by a motion sensor, bypressing button 254 a, and the like), pump 194 pumps fluid from pitcher108 a through filtration unit 124 (e.g., to be filtered), out of spout182, and into pitcher 108 a to be dispensed. For example, after fluidexits spout 182, fluid enters pitcher 108 a (and, more specifically, lid112 a) through second opening 216 a and into passage 258 a, which is influid communication with dispenser 250 a, such that fluid can exitpitcher 108 a.

As above, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-2B and 4A-4E, pitcher 108b comprises lid 112 b and base 116 b. Base 116 b is configured to becoupled to lid 112 b such that base 116 b and lid 112 b cooperate todefine a container configured to hold fluid (e.g., water). In theembodiment shown, lid 112 b and base 116 b also cooperate to definefirst opening 216 b through which fluid can enter and exit the pitcher.In some embodiments, pitcher 108 b comprises handle 117 b configured topermit a user to maneuver pitcher 108 b. Handle 117 b can be coupled tolid 112 b and/or base 116 b, as depicted.

In the embodiment shown, lid 112 b defines second opening 218 b, whichpermits fluid to enter pitcher 108 b. In the embodiment shown, lid 112 bcomprises tab 222 b that is biased to a closed configuration (e.g., vialever 226 b and spring 230 b). While in the closed configuration, tab222 b substantially prevents fluid from entering or exiting pitcher 108b. Upon application of, for example, a vertical force to tab 222 b(which stretches spring 230 b), tab 222 b is configured to move to anopen configuration to permit fluid to enter or exit pitcher 108 b (e.g.,through second opening 218 b). If the vertical force applied to tab 222b is released, spring 230 b is permitted to relax, and tab 222 b returnsto a closed configuration.

In the embodiment shown, base 116 b comprises sidewall 234 b and bottom238 b (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 4C). In some embodiments, sidewall 234b can be coupled to bottom 238 b; and in other embodiments, sidewall 234b and bottom 238 b are integral (e.g., as in the embodiment shown). Inthe embodiment shown, bottom 238 b of base 116 b of pitcher 108 bcomprises valve 120 b. Valve 120 b is configured to be in an openconfiguration when pitcher 108 b is coupled to filtration unit 124(e.g., permitting fluid to enter filtration unit 124 through valve 120b), and valve 120 b is configured to be in a closed configuration whenpitcher 108 b is not coupled to filtration unit 124 (e.g., preventingfluid from exiting pitcher 108 b through valve 120 b). In the embodimentshown, bottom 238 b of base 116 b defines an opening through which fluidcan exit pitcher 108 b. Plunger 242 b is disposed in the opening definedby bottom 238 b of base 116 b to prevent fluid from exiting pitcher 108b. In the embodiment shown, spring 246 b biases valve 120 b to a closedconfiguration (e.g., by applying a force to plunger 242 b). When pitcher108 b is coupled to filtration unit 124, nipple 210 of filtration unit124 applies a force to plunger 242 b, compressing spring 246 b to permitfluid to move through valve 120 b and into base entry component 206. Ifpitcher 108 b is decoupled from filtration unit 124, the force appliedto plunger 242 b by nipple 210 is released, and spring 246 b ispermitted to relax, biasing valve 120 b to a closed configuration.

In some embodiments (e.g., FIGS. 2A-2B and 4A-4E), pitcher 108 b (and,more specifically, base 116 b) comprises divider 250 b configured todivide the container formed by base 116 b and lid 112 b into firstcompartment 254 b and second compartment 258 b, where divider 250 b isoriented such that first compartment 254 b and second compartment 258 beach comprises at least a portion of bottom 238 b of base 116 b(depicted in FIG. 4E). Divider 250 b can be coupled to any portion ofpitcher 108 b, such as sidewall 234 b or bottom 238 b (as in theembodiment shown). Divider 250 b can be coupled to pitcher 108 b in anysuitable way. In some embodiments, divider 250 b is integral with bottom238 b of base 116 b of pitcher 108 b. In the embodiment shown, divider250 b is substantially perpendicular to bottom 238 b of pitcher 108 b.In some embodiments, divider 250 b is configured such that firstcompartment 254 b is oriented within second compartment 258 b. In someembodiments, divider 250 b is substantially cylindrical and does notintersect sidewall 234 b of base 116 b (as in the embodiment shown). Insome embodiments, first compartment 254 b and second compartment 258 bcan comprise substantially the same volume; and in other embodiments,first compartment 254 b can comprise a smaller volume than secondcompartment 258 b, and vice versa. In the embodiment shown, the at leasta portion of bottom 238 b in first compartment 254 b comprises valve 120b such that fluid can exit the container if fluid is in firstcompartment 254 b when pitcher 108 b is coupled to filtration unit 124(e.g., when valve 120 b is in an open configuration). For example, iffirst compartment 254 b comprises fluid (e.g., unfiltered water), andpitcher 108 b is coupled to filtration unit 124 (e.g., such that valve120 b is in an open configuration), fluid is permitted to exit firstcompartment 254 b of pitcher 108 b and enter base entry component 206 b(e.g., through valve 120 b). If pump 194 is activated, pump 194 pumpsfluid from base entry component 206 b (and also from first compartment254 b of pitcher 108 b) through filtration unit 124 (e.g., to befiltered), out of spout 182, and into pitcher 108 b. For example, afterfluid leaves spout 182, fluid can re-enter pitcher 108 b through secondopening 216 b (defined by base 116 b and lid 112 b) and into secondcompartment 258 b such that fluid having exited filtration unit 124(e.g. filtered fluid) is segregated from fluid in first compartment 254b (e.g., unfiltered fluid). In a similar way, if the at least a portionof bottom 238 b in second compartment 258 b comprises valve 120 b, fluidcan exit pitcher 108 b from second compartment 258 b and re-enterpitcher 108 b into first compartment 254 b such that fluid having exitedfiltration unit 124 (e.g., filtered fluid) is segregated from fluid insecond compartment 258 b (e.g., unfiltered fluid).

Each of filtration systems 100 a and 100 b is configured to be activatedto permit pump 194 to begin pumping fluid from pitchers 108 a and 108 b,respectively. Filtration systems 100 a and 100 b (and, morespecifically, filtration unit 124) can comprise controller 262 coupledto housing 128 and also coupled to pump 194 (e.g., electrically coupled,so that controller 262 can send an activation signal to pump 194). Inthe embodiment shown, filtration systems 100 a and 100 b also comprisefluid sensor 266 (e.g., depicted in FIG. 5D) coupled to housing 128(base entry component 206) and also coupled to controller 262 (e.g.,electrically coupled, so that controller 262 can receive a signal fromfluid sensor 266). Fluid sensor 266 is configured to detect if fluidenters housing 128 (and, more specifically, base entry component 206).In some embodiments, if fluid sensor 266 detects that fluid has enteredhousing 128, controller 262 is configured to activate pump 194 to beginpumping fluid through filtration unit 124.

In the embodiment shown (e.g., FIG. 5D), filtration systems 100 a and100 b also comprise unit switches 270 and 274 (e.g., magnetic switches)coupled to housing 128 (e.g., base 132 and upper portion 136 of housing128, respectively) and also coupled to controller 262 (e.g.,electrically coupled, so controller 262 can receive a signal from unitswitches 270 and 274). Though unit switch 270 is coupled to base 132 ofhousing 128 in the embodiment shown, unit switch 270 can be coupled toany portion of filtration unit 124 to correspond to a pitcher switch ona pitcher (e.g., pitcher 108 b). Similarly, though unit switch 274 iscoupled to upper portion 136 of housing 128 in the embodiment shown,unit switch 274 can be coupled to any portion of filtration unit 124 tocorrespond to a pitcher switch on a pitcher (e.g., pitcher 108 a).

In the embodiment shown (e.g., FIG. 4C), pitcher 108 b comprises pitcherswitch 278 b (e.g., a magnetic switch) coupled to bottom 238 b of base116 b. Pitcher switch 278 b is coupled to bottom 238 b of pitcher 108 bsuch that pitcher switch 278 b substantially aligns with a unit switchon a filtration unit (e.g., unit switch 270 of filtration unit 124) whenthe pitcher is coupled to the filtration unit. For example, in theembodiment shown, when pitcher 108 b is coupled to filtration unit 124,pitcher switch 278 b is configured to align with unit switch 270 suchthat pitcher switch 278 b and unit switch 270 can interface (e.g.,magnetically, electrically, mechanically, and the like). In someembodiments, when pitcher switch 278 b and unit switch 270 interface(e.g., magnetically, in the embodiment shown), controller 262 isconfigured to activate pump 194 to begin pumping fluid throughfiltration unit 124. In some embodiments, controller 262 is configuredto activate pump 194 if pitcher switch 278 b and unit switch 270interface and if fluid sensor 266 detects that fluid has entered housing128.

In the embodiment shown (e.g., FIG. 3E), pitcher 108 a comprises pitcherswitch 278 a (e.g., a magnetic switch) coupled to button 254 a of lid112 a via lever 282 a. For example, if button 254 a is pressed (e.g., toactivate dispenser 250 a), lever 282 a orients pitcher switch 278 a(e.g., elevates pitcher switch 278 a, in the embodiment shown) such thatpitcher switch 278 a substantially aligns with a unit switch on afiltration unit (e.g., unit switch 274 of filtration unit 124) when thepitcher is coupled to the filtration unit. For example, in theembodiment shown, when pitcher 108 a is coupled to filtration unit 124and button 254 is pressed, pitcher switch 278 a is configured to alignwith unit switch 274 such that pitcher switch 278 a and unit switch 274can interface (e.g., magnetically, electrically, mechanically, and thelike). In some embodiments, when pitcher switch 278 a and unit switch274 interface (e.g., magnetically, in the embodiment shown), controller262 is configured to activate pump 194 to begin pumping fluid throughfiltration unit 124. In some embodiments, controller 262 is configuredto activate pump 194 if pitcher switch 278 a and unit switch 274interface and if fluid sensor 266 detects that fluid has entered housing128.

In some embodiments, filtration unit 124 is configured to alert a userwhen filter 104 should be replaced. For example, filtration unit 124 canbe configured to detect an amount of flow through filter 104 (or throughsome other component of filtration unit 124) to alert a user when filter104 is scheduled to be replaced. In some embodiments, filtration unit124 can be configured to alert a user that a filter is scheduled to bereplaced based on a volume of flow through filtration unit 124 and/or byan approximate time of usage. For example, in this embodiment,replacement indicator 286 is coupled to base 132 of housing 128 and isalso coupled to controller 262. Replacement indicator 286 is configuredto alert a user when filter 104 should be replaced (or when filter 104has a given amount of usage remaining), such as, for example, bychanging a color of an LED in replacement indicator 286 or byilluminating an LED in replacement indicator 286. Further, after filter104 is replaced, a user can press button 290 to indicate to filtrationunit 124 that a new filter has been disposed in filtration unit 124(e.g., resetting any volumetric and/or temporal tracking of the filter).

The structures of the present systems, filtration units, and pitchers,can be made with standard materials (e.g., plastic) using standardmanufacturing techniques (e.g., injection molding) and/or can bepurchased commercially (e.g., O-rings, nipples, screws, etc.).

This disclosure also includes methods of filtering fluid. In someembodiments, such methods comprise: coupling a pitcher having a valve toa filtration unit such that the valve opens and activating a pump topump fluid from the pitcher through the valve, the filtration unit, anda filter, and back into the pitcher. In some embodiments, activating thepump comprises pressing a button, In other embodiments, activating thepump comprises coupling the pitcher to the filtration unit.

The above specification and examples provide a complete description ofthe structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although certainembodiments have been described above with a certain degree ofparticularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments,those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to thedisclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of thisinvention. As such, the various illustrative embodiments of the presentdevices are not intended to be limited to the particular formsdisclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternativesfalling within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than theone shown may include some or all of the features of the depictedembodiment. For example, components may be combined as a unitarystructure, and/or connections may be substituted (e.g., threads may besubstituted with press-fittings or welds). Further, where appropriate,aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined withaspects of any of the other examples described to form further exampleshaving comparable or different properties and addressing the same ordifferent problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the benefitsand advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or mayrelate to several embodiments.

The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted toinclude, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such alimitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s)“means for” or “step for,” respectively.

1. A pitcher comprising: a lid; a base comprising a sidewall and abottom, the base configured to be coupled to the lid such that the baseand the lid cooperate to define a container configured to hold fluid,where the base has a valve configured to be in: an open configurationwhen the pitcher is coupled to a filtration unit; and a closedconfiguration when the pitcher is not coupled to a filtration unit; anda divider configured to divide the container into a first compartmentand a second compartment, the divider oriented such that the firstcompartment and the second compartment each comprises at least a portionof the bottom of the base. 2-3. (canceled)
 4. The pitcher of claim 1,where the base and the lid cooperate to define an opening through whichfluid can enter and exit the container. 5-7. (canceled)
 8. The pitcherof claim 1, where the divider is configured such that the firstcompartment is oriented within the second compartment.
 9. The pitcher ofclaim 8, where the divider is substantially cylindrical and does notintersect a sidewall of the base.
 10. The pitcher of claim 1, where theat least a portion of the bottom of the base in the first compartmentcomprises the valve such that fluid can exit the container if fluid isin the first compartment and if the valve is in the open configuration.11. The pitcher of claim 4, where if the pitcher is coupled to afiltration unit and if fluid is in the container, the pitcher isconfigured such that fluid can exit the container through the valve andre-enter the container through the opening defined by the base and thelid.
 12. A pitcher comprising: a base having a valve configured to bein: an open configuration when the pitcher is coupled to a filtrationunit; and a closed configuration when the pitcher is not coupled to afiltration unit; and a lid configured to be coupled to the base suchthat the base and the lid cooperate to define a container configured tohold fluid; where the lid comprises a dispenser configured such that ifthe pitcher is coupled to a filtration unit and the dispenser isactivated, fluid is permitted to exit the pitcher through the valve andis permitted to re-enter the pitcher through the lid.
 13. The pitcher ofclaim 12, where the dispenser is activated by pressing a button.
 14. Thepitcher of claim 12, where the dispenser is activated by a motionsensor. 15-16. (canceled)
 17. The pitcher of claim 12, where the baseand the lid cooperate to define an opening through which fluid can enterand exit the container.
 18. The pitcher of claim 12, where if thepitcher is coupled to a filtration unit and if fluid is in thecontainer, the pitcher is configured such that fluid can exit thecontainer through the valve and re-enter the container through the lid.19. A filtration unit comprising: a housing configured to be coupled toa pitcher having a valve, the housing configured to cooperate with thepitcher to open the valve; and a pump coupled to the housing andconfigured to be in fluid communication with a filter if a filter iscoupled to the housing; where the filtration unit is configured suchthat if a pitcher having a valve and holding fluid is coupled to thehousing and if a filter is coupled to the housing, the pump will pumpfluid from the pitcher through the valve and the filter and into thepitcher.
 20. The filtration unit of claim 19, where the housingcomprises a base, and the base is configured to cooperate with a bottomof a pitcher having a valve to open the valve.
 21. The filtration unitof claim 19, where the housing comprises: a lid configured to be coupledto a filter; and an upper portion configured to be coupled to the lidsuch that if a filter is coupled to the lid and the upper portion iscoupled to the lid, the filter is disposed within the housing and influid communication with the pump.
 22. The filtration unit of claim 19,further comprising: a controller coupled to the housing; and a sensorcoupled to the controller and configured to detect if fluid enters thehousing; where the controller is configured to activate the pump if thesensor detects that fluid has entered the housing.
 23. The filtrationunit of claim 19, further comprising: a controller coupled to thehousing; and a unit switch coupled to the controller, where thecontroller is configured to activate the pump if the unit switchinterfaces with a pitcher switch.
 24. The filtration unit of claim 19,further comprising: a controller coupled to the housing; a unit switchcoupled to the controller; and a sensor coupled to the controller andconfigured to detect if fluid enters the housing; where the controlleris configured to activate the pump if the unit switch interfaces with apitcher switch and if the sensor detects that fluid has entered thehousing.
 25. The filtration unit of claim 19, where if a filter iscoupled to the housing, the filtration unit is configured to alert auser when the filter should be replaced.
 26. A filtration systemcomprising: a pitcher comprising: a lid; and a base configured to becoupled to the lid such that the base and the lid cooperate to define acontainer configured to hold fluid, where the base has a valveconfigured to be in: an open configuration when the pitcher is coupledto a filtration unit; and a closed configuration when the pitcher is notcoupled to a filtration unit; and a filtration unit configured to becoupled to the pitcher, the filtration unit comprising: a housingconfigured to cooperate with the pitcher to open the valve; and a pumpconfigured to be in fluid communication with a filter if a filter iscoupled to the filtration system; where if the pitcher has fluid and iscoupled to the filtration unit and if a filter is coupled to thefiltration unit, the pump is configured to pump fluid from the pitcherthrough the valve and the filter and into the pitcher. 27-49. (canceled)50. A method of filtering fluid, comprising: coupling a pitcher having avalve to a filtration unit such that the valve opens; and activating apump to pump fluid from the pitcher through the valve, the filtrationunit, and a filter, and back into the pitcher. 51-52. (canceled)